First responders in our skin and gut revealed: Prof Laura Mackay
Offering new ways to treat cancer and autoimmune diseases A decade ago, University of Melbourne’s Professor Laura Mackay discovered the “first responders” of our immune system, a unique population of T cells based in our skin, gut and other barrier tissues. Now she’s working to super-charge their protective power to clear infections and fight cancer, and […]
AAHMS calls for big picture strategy to improve health research and innovation
The Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences has called for the Government to look at the big picture when considering the future of health and medical research funding. The Academy is advocating for a bold strategic vision to ensure investments deliver benefits for health, society and the economy. The Academy’s submission to the Government’s […]
Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences statement supporting the Voice to Parliament
Later this year, Australia will vote on a proposed law to alter the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice. The Academy supports the establishment of an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples experience a greater burden […]
Experts to contribute to Long COVID and Repeated Infections Inquiry
How can you receive quality healthcare for an illness if there isn’t a clear definition of what that illness is? This is one of many issues the country’s leading experts will address during a roundtable discussion at Parliament House in Canberra on 17 February 2023, to inform the Inquiry into Long COVID and Repeated COVID […]
Meet four emerging health research stars- our newest mentees for 2023
Four emerging research leaders with expertise in genomics, psychology, epidemiology and nephrology have joined our competitive Mentorship Program. Selected from a pool of applicants across Australia, these health and medical research stars will be paired with a mentor from the AAHMS Fellowship to support their career and leadership development. Mentees become Associate Members of the […]
The Academy welcomes our new Fellows for 2022
Infectious disease specialists, epidemiologists, oncologists, a clinical biostatistician, a broadcast journalist, a senior barrister, and a former Academy Mentee are among the 31 health leaders who will be announced as Fellows of the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences at a ceremony in Melbourne this evening. Each year, the Fellowship elects the best and […]
Our vision to integrate research in the health system
Australia’s health and medical science leaders have today released a comprehensive plan to transform healthcare by better integrating research and health. The report, Research and innovation as core functions in transforming the health system: a vision for the future of health in Australia, released today by the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences outlines […]
Health Horizons Forum to explore future of health
The Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences, in partnership with Saltire Capital Partners, is launching a series of roundtables to explore the future of health, research and innovation in Australia. The 2023 Health Horizons Forum will bring together stakeholders from across the Australian health sector, government, research, innovation and industry to explore future opportunities […]
Professor Sharon Lewin awarded Medal for Outstanding Female Researcher
An infectious disease physician and virologist who has been at the forefront of the global search for a cure for HIV and led research on the diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19 has been awarded the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences Outstanding Female Researcher Medal. Professor Sharon Lewin AO FAHMS is Director of The […]
Leading haematologist honoured with Jian Zhou Medal
A scientist leading one of the world’s preeminent research programs on global health anaemia control, which has led to the delivery of evidence-based care for children and pregnant mothers worldwide, has received the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences Jian Zhou Medal. The medal is named in honour of cervical cancer vaccine co-inventor Professor […]
Academy welcomes six rising research leaders into Mentorship Program
Six emerging research leaders with expertise in cardiology, dietetics, genetics, neurology, addiction and exercise science have joined the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences (AAHMS) Mentorship Program. Competitively selected from a pool of applicants across Australia, these rising health and medical research stars will be paired with a mentor from the AAHMS Fellowship to […]
Climate change an immediate threat to the health of Australians – health and medical research experts
The nation’s top health and medical researchers declare climate change to be an urgent health priority in a new statement. Today, on World Health Day, the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences launches Climate change: an urgent health priority at an event featuring some of Australia’s most eminent researchers, including Professor Warwick Anderson FAHA […]
Meet Outstanding Female Researcher Medal winner Professor Georgina Long
“Melanoma is also the most common cancer impacting 20 to 39-year-old Australians. At the centre of all we do is our patients – they inspire me to keep asking questions about the why, how and what next for melanoma to achieve zero deaths or eradicate it completely.” This International Day of Women and Girls in […]
Moving from rhetoric to action – a joint statement on COP26
The presidents of Australia’s five learned academies have issued a joint statement on COP26 and Australia’s path to net-zero emissions. “The challenges presented by climate change require smart, holistic and cross-disciplinary thinking. We need to continue developing and communicating research to challenge misinformation with robust evidence and steward an economy-wide transition to a low carbon future. Our […]
Harassment of Australian scientists unacceptable
Around 1 in 5 Australian scientists recently surveyed by the Australian Science Media Centre (AusSMC) said they experienced death threats and/or threats of physical or sexual violence after speaking to the media about COVID-19. Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences President Professor Ingrid Scheffer said it was completely unacceptable that scientists and healthcare professionals were […]
Academy stands with the Therapeutic Goods Administration and its staff
The Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences (AAHMS) stands with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and the crucial work of its staff. As the nation’s medicines regulator, the TGA provides policy makers with rigorous, independent and evidence-based assessment of new medicines and vaccines in Australia. Professor Ingrid Scheffer AO, Academy President, said that the […]
Cancer researcher wins inaugural Outstanding Female Researcher Medal
A clinician-scientist working to drive melanoma cancer deaths down to zero has been recognised with the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences inaugural Outstanding Female Researcher Medal. Cancer researcher and AAHMS Fellow Professor Georgina Long AO has been awarded for her transformative work advancing melanoma treatments and improving patient outcomes. “One thing my mother […]
Have your say: Harnessing research for better health
Take the survey. The Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences is investigating how to improve healthcare in Australia by better integration of research into the healthcare system. Harnessing research for better health: A vision for integrating research into healthcare will examine how research is conducted and used in the Australian healthcare system, identifying barriers […]
New Learned Academy status recognises the critical role of the AAHMS to Australia
The Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences (AAHMS) has become Australia’s fifth and newest Learned Academy, confirming its critical role in advocating for the nation’s health. Academy President Professor Ingrid Scheffer said AAHMS was founded in 2014, and recently established as a Learned Academy under the Higher Education Support Act. The Academy’s work was […]
Vaccines only part of the pandemic puzzle
Australia’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic requires more than just vaccines, with yesterday’s changes to the planned vaccine rollout again highlighting the need to maintain a broad-base approach to managing the pandemic. Professor Ingrid Scheffer, President of the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences, said that the Australian Government had followed expert medical advice […]